In My Own Time - An Autobiography

Sir Humphrey Burton, a renowned post-war music and arts broadcaster, has written an autobiography that provides unique insights into the history of music, the BBC, and arts broadcasting in twentieth-century Britain. He worked with talented directors and helped to create innovative ways to present music to new audiences. Burton's association with Leonard Bernstein began in the early 1970s, and he was instrumental in filming the conductor's educational programs and concerts. His gift for communicating music turned him into a celebrated Bernstein biographer, and he left an indelible mark on Britain's music and arts broadcasting history with his award-winning television programs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 630 pages
Publication date: 19 March 2021
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

This eagerly awaited autobiography is a must-read for classical music enthusiasts and those intrigued by some of the twentieth century's most iconic performers. It also provides unique insights into the history of music, the BBC, and arts broadcasting in twentieth-century Britain. Sir Humphrey Burton is one of Britain's most influential post-war music and arts broadcasters. Witty, humorous, and full of humanity, Burton's account presents us with never-before-recorded perspectives on the world of British cultural broadcasting and classical music. Burton worked with such outstanding directing talents as Ken Russell and John Schlesinger, before becoming the BBC's Head of Music and the Arts. Already in the 1960s, in conversations with Glenn Gould, for instance, Burton helped to create innovative ways of presenting music to new audiences. Following Sir David Frost's call to LWT/ITV, Burton rose to prominence with presenting the award-winning arts series Aquarius (1970-1975).

The early 1970s saw the beginning of Burton's long association with Leonard Bernstein. Burton was at hand filming the maestro's educational programs, as well as concerts with the Vienna Philharmonic. Unforgettable are his chronicles of Bernstein's last years, culminating in a worldwide broadcast of the conductor's Berlin Freedom Concert after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Burton's gift for communicating music turned him into a celebrated Bernstein biographer. With multi-award-winning television programs to his name, such as the BBC's Young Musician of the Year, Burton left an indelible mark on Britain's music and arts broadcasting history.

Sir Humphrey Burton offers us many encounters with twentieth-century classical music's superstars and former broadcasting colleagues. What transpires is a creative mind at work. From his early days at the BBC to his influential role in shaping the world of music and arts broadcasting, Burton's story is a captivating journey through the world of culture and entertainment. This autobiography is a testament to his enduring legacy and the impact he has had on the lives of countless individuals.

Weight: 1122g
Dimension: 243 x 165 x 52 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783274819